Sheena Wright Resigns from NYCHA Board Amid Ongoing Investigations and Controversies
Background
Sheena Wright, a top aide to Mayor Eric Adams, has resigned from her position as a member of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) board. This development comes as she is also under scrutiny due to her involvement in ongoing federal investigations of corruption at City Hall.
Resignation and Timing
Wright’s resignation took place on Tuesday, just a day before the NYCHA board voted on a controversial plan to demolish three developments in Manhattan and replace them with mixed-use housing. This move has raised concerns among the 5,000 residents of the affected buildings, who fear being displaced.
Federal Investigations and Previous Positions
This is not the first time Wright has faced scrutiny. She stepped down from her position as First Deputy Mayor nearly a month ago, and federal authorities visited her home, seizing both her and her husband, then-Schools Chancellor David Banks, phones. Wright’s resignation from NYCHA comes weeks after this incident.
NYCHA Board and New Development Plan
Wright was one of three NYCHA board members appointed by Mayor Adams, along with Greg Belinfanti and Chair Jamie Rubin. The board voted on the demolition and replacement plan for Fulton Houses and Elliott-Chelsea Houses in the Chelsea neighborhood. Wright did not participate in the vote.
Controversy and Concerns
The new development plan has sparked anxiety among residents, who are worried about being displaced. The developers, Related Companies and Essence Development, have assured them that no tenant will be displaced and that, in most cases, no building will be taken down before a new one is built next door. A small number of residents will be temporarily relocated to hotels during the transition.
Vacancy and Replacement
Wright’s resignation leaves a vacancy on the seven-member board, which Mayor Adams must fill. The mayor’s press office did not respond to THE CITY’s questions about when a replacement will be announced.
Statement from the Mayor’s Office
"We thank Sheena Wright for her service to the city, including her work on delivering free internet access to public housing residents and guiding the transformation of NYCHA developments," stated William Fowler, a mayoral spokesperson.
NYCHA Board Members
The NYCHA board consists of seven members, including four residents and three appointees. Victor Gonzalez, James McCoy, and Raymond Miller are NYCHA residents, while Paula Gavin was appointed by former Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Conclusion
Sheena Wright’s resignation from the NYCHA board amid ongoing federal investigations and controversies has raised concerns about the future of the authority. Her departure leaves a vacancy that must be filled, and residents of the affected developments are waiting to see how the new development plan will proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Sheena Wright resign from the NYCHA board?
A: Sheena Wright resigned from the NYCHA board amid ongoing federal investigations and controversies surrounding her role in City Hall.
Q: What is the new development plan for Fulton Houses and Elliott-Chelsea Houses?
A: The plan involves demolishing three developments and replacing them with mixed-use housing, with assurances that no tenant will be displaced and that most buildings will not be taken down before new ones are built next door.
Q: Who will fill the vacancy left by Sheena Wright’s resignation?
A: Mayor Adams will need to appoint a new member to the NYCHA board to fill the vacancy left by Sheena Wright’s resignation.
